Palace assures China: We can protect your citizens

MANILA — Malacanang assured the Chinese government that the Philippine government can protect its citizens whenever they travel to the country.

China warned its citizens on Friday not to travel to the Philippines after a Chinese teenager who worked in a family-run store was kidnapped.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also said it was worried because of plots by criminal groups planning to attack the Chinese Embassy, Chinese companies and public venues such as shopping malls.

“The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) has already reached out to the side of China to reiterate our commitment that their citizens will be protected here in the Philippines just like any visitor who comes to our shores,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

Asked if she thinks the issue will strain further the relations between the Philippines and China, Valte said the Philippine-China relation is multi-faceted.